Chisora: Wife OKs Wilder Rematch, Plans Final Fight in 2026

Derek Chisora says his wife has given him the "green light" to pursue a rematch with Deontay Wilder after their thrilling split-decision meeting last month.

Wilder had indicated he might retire following what was his 50th professional fight, but Chisora revealed both men are now in talks about a second bout pencilled for later in 2026. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Chisora said he is "working on the rematch" and has meetings scheduled before anything is confirmed. He added that Wilder is keen because he was unhappy with the result and they plan to "run it back."

Chisora also made clear this would be one of his final outings. "At the end of this year I will retire," he said, suggesting the rematch would likely be his swansong.

On the wider heavyweight scene, Chisora commented on Daniel Dubois’s dramatic 11th-round victory over Fabio Wardley, which saw Dubois recover from two early knockdowns to become a two-time world champion. Chisora praised Dubois’s determination and said Wardley’s bravery provoked plenty of post-fight debate.

"I believe Fabio didn't respect Daniel," Chisora said, arguing that Wardley failed to rise to the moment while Dubois kept fighting. He expressed interest in a rematch between Dubois and Wardley and congratulated Dubois on an "amazing victory."

Questions have been asked about whether the contest should have been stopped sooner because of the punishment Wardley took. Chisora pointed to the sport’s tricky officiating decisions, citing the controversial early stoppage in the first Carl Froch–George Groves fight as an example of how contentious those calls can be: in boxing, he said, you never know which way criticism will fall.

For now, Chisora is focused on the potential Wilder return and wrapping up his career on his own terms.